Washington, Feb 10 : Vanessa Hudgens has revealed that in preparation for her role as a pregnant, homeless teenager in her upcoming film `Gimme Shelter' she actually went and lived in a shelter for the homeless.

The 23-year-old stayed in the shelter for two-weeks prior to beginning the shoot.

"I actually went and stayed in the shelter for two weeks before I started filming," Us magazine quoted her as telling The Rachael Ray Show.

"I lived there with all the girls, with all the kids, so I think that's really interesting because you find so much more about yourself," she said.

She also gave herself a major hair makeover to fully embody her character.

"[Rosario Dawson and I] look so messed up in this movie," the actress said.

"I actually cut my own hair for this movie. I did that to myself, yes I did," she added. (ANI)